The University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, has moved swiftly to debunk exaggerated reports of a massive fire outbreak within its premises. In a statement released on Sunday, September 22, 2024, the hospital's Public Relations Officer, Funmi Adetuyibi, clarified the true extent of the incident.
According to Adetuyibi, a minor fire occurred at 8:10 am on Sunday at the Medicine Laboratory's changeover box, located on the 3rd floor. The spark was swiftly contained by courageous hospital staff, with Fire Service officials arriving promptly to provide additional support.
Contrary to viral social media reports, Adetuyibi emphasized that the incident did not disrupt hospital activities.
The statement read: “The attention of the management of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, has been drawn to news making the rounds and viral videos on the fire incident that occurred in the hospital in the early hours of Sunday, 22nd September 2024.
"Let the fact be stated as follows that the fire incident occurred at about 8.10 am on Sunday, 22nd September 2024. The incident was caused by a spark at the changeover box at the Medicine Laboratory on the 3rd floor of the Hospital. The fire outbreak was limited to the changeover panel in one of the rooms in the laboratory.”
The hospital management, led by Chief Medical Director Prof. Jesse Abiodun Otegbayo, has reassured the public that all necessary measures are in place to prevent similar incidents.
“The management of the hospital, under the leadership of the Chief Medical Director (CMD) Prof Jesse Abiodun Otegbayo, has put in place all necessary measures to prevent such occurrence in the hospital.”
In a bid to quell misinformation, Adetuyibi noted that many pictures circulating online, purportedly showing the fire outbreak, were not actual images of UCH, Ibadan.
“The incident did not in any way disrupt the activities of the hospital. Most of the pictures of the fire outbreak being spread around are NOT pictures of the University College Hospital, Ibadan.”
Prof. Otegbayo expressed deep appreciation for the support shown to the hospital and reaffirmed the institution's commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property.
“The general public is hereby assured of the safety of lives and property in the hospital. The CMD expresses deep appreciation for the support shown and given to the Hospital at all times.”
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